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KURSEONG: 33 FMAs began their new life after a week’s preparation assisted by Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas SDB and our Provincial, Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil. Our retreat preacher led us through the soul searching days with the Lord. Through the Holy Scriptures and personal experiences, the preacher encouraged, inspired and motivated us to live holy lives. He dealt in detail with the most essential topics of a religious life, like Sin, Evangelical Counsels, Chastity, Poverty and Obedience; Prayer, Mission, Community life and Authority in the Salesian Family. Fr. Biji began his talk with an example of 2 girls. One was Miss Selfish and the other was Miss Selfless. Miss Selfish got married and became selfless and generous, sacrificing herself for the family and others, whereas the Selfless and generous girl became a sister, the beginnings were very good but gradually ended up to be selfish, justified and glorified sister. Therefore we need to think and correct ourselves examining daily what type of life we are leaving. Is it selfless or selfish? He then made us aware about the consequences of sin delving through the Holy Scriptures right from the original Sin of our fore parents Adam and Eve Humility and gratitude are important virtues we need to cultivate in our daily life to be a holy sister. He also said that our eyes must be fixed on Christ, Who is our Right. The power of the Church is sanctity. Never do policing, investigating and judging. God respects our freedom. We must be joyful, prayerful and grateful religious at all times. |
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All things that happen on earth are planned or permitted by God for our good. For the good of those who love Him. Sufferings come for 2 reasons: reparation and preparation. The Lord disciplines those whom he loves; nothing happens without God’s permission, we must deal with the evil by being spiritually strong. Need to remain in grace at all times. It is only by the grace of God what we are. Forgiveness is our duty. Only a strong person can forgive others. Fr.Biji also emphasized much on the 4th commandment to obey the authority at all times except against faith and morals. Temptations come from desires. We need to be aware and disciplined. We need to pray constantly and obey humbly. Our provincial, Sr. Leelamma in her short but well prepared ‘Good Nights’ transported us to Mornese, the source and origin of our Religious Life with our holy Founders urging us to emulate their lives of prayer and service. The Community, with Sr. Dorothy Torcato as the Superior, left no stone unturned in order to make our stay comfortable and pleasant with neat and clean rooms, sumptuous and delicious food, everything was so conducive and spoke of the love of God and one and other. We are extremely grateful to God and to all those who have contributed towards our retreat. Sr. Celsa Magalhaes |
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